January 2011

Miceli Productions HD recorded original HD footage with three cast members of Hartford Stage Company’s production of Snow Falling on Cedars to communicate the intense story of this stage adaption of David Guterson’s #1 best selling novel. In this 30 second TV spot, we asked the actors to experience the range of intense emotions their characters feel as the story of Kabu Miyamoto’s trial unfolds in an isolated Puget Sound community.

Media elements include original HD footage from a dedicated on-location shoot and composites of that footage with background plates from the play’s scenic designer Takeshi Kata.

SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS playing at Hartford Stage January 13 – February 13, 2011.
From the best-selling novel by David Guterson
Adapted for the stage by Kevin McKeon
First produced at Book-It Repertory Theatre
Directed by Jeremy B. Cohen
Scenic Design by Takeshi Kata
Costume Design by Jess Goldstein
Lighting Design by Joel Moritz
Original Music & Sound Design by Broken Cord Collective

Burn a DVD? Rip a DVD? Dupe a DVD? What’s the dif? Often it seems like people in the world of video speak a totally different language and have 3 different words for what appears to be the same concept.

As media professionals we do in fact have a unique vocabulary to what we do. Having a basic understanding of video vocab helps business owners be informed consumers when looking to purchase a service or a product.

Your mini video-vocab lesson begins with A, B, C…and D for Donut.

A roll: An old film term meaning the content structure of the piece, voice track and sound bites.

B roll: Supplemental or alternate footage intercut with the main shot in an interview or documentary. Most often B roll footage is what is submitted with a media press release.

Bug: A digital on-screen graphic or logo that many TV broadcasters overlay over a portion of the screen to identify the channel. This term has migrated online and is now commonly used for businesses and organizations who use a bug of their logo or website to brand their online videos.

Burn: To record data on a CD or DVD.

Compositing: Combining visual elements from separate sources into single images creating the effect that all those elements are parts of the same scene. For a strong visual example and concept of compositing from our In The Studio web videos series CLICK HERE

Compress: To change the file size of a video, to reduce the amount of data storage space necessary. Most often used when putting video online.

Donut: Pre-recorded commercial with a blank time span in the center into which a special advertising message may be inserted.

Dupe: To duplicate a DVD that has data written on it. Typically it takes more time to burn a DVD than to duplicate one that is already burned. There is no difference between a duplicate and an original in terms of quality.

As many summer dance camps and intensives require audition videos be made no more than 6 months prior to submission, January is a great time to get the ball rolling.

New England hosts many summer dance training opportunities, from some of the most prestigious and competitive in the world from Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires (1 hr from Hartford), to Boston Ballet (2 hrs from Hartford), to local community camps that are less competitive but still require video auditions for level placement.

More and more children are media savvy and can record and edit audition videos on there own computers (we love that). For those families that want the competitive edge or to take the hassle out of video production and ensure making your submissions deadlines – we are here for you as a professional video production boutique. For those bound and determined to do it yourself, follow our guidelines below.

HOW DO I MAKE A GREAT AUDITION VIDEO, MYSELF?

ANSWER: It’s all in the planning. Yes the performance on the video is very important but the performance will fall flat if the proper planning for creating the video isn’t taken. Follow the 8 steps below to capture an applause-worthy video audition.

SET THE STAGE

1. Choose a good location. Look for a space that does not have a busy background and in which you can control background noise. If recording in the dance studio make sure the background is clear of clutter and the lights are nice and bright.

2. Choose a costume that makes you stand out. This choice has everything to do with the location you are shooting in and less to do with sparkly sequins. Make sure your costume contrasts strongly with the background and if possible the floor.

3. Make it a duet. Don’t try setting up the video and recording on your own, you definitely want someone behind the camera to zoom in and track the action. Ask someone to help you out.

HAVE A GREAT SCRIPT

4. Prepare and practice your “slate”. Most audition videos want you to state your name, age and something about yourself at the beginning of the video, referred to as a “slate”. Practice this just as you would your dancing.

5. Pay attention to the required elements. Most summer camps are very specific about what they want and don’t want in the video audition, stick closely to the requirements but also look for opportunities to be creative within the requirements at the same time.

USE A QUALITY CAMERA

6. Use the highest quality video camera you can get your hands on. Make sure to use a tripod, the camera is level, and you are as zoomed in close on the action without cutting off any limbs. Many consumer video cameras are high quality, if you follow our planning steps the choice of camera will not be the largest factor in the quality of your audition video.

7. Use the highest quality audio playback you can get your hands on. This also has to do with your location choice. If possible don’t record in a room where the music echos off the walls or where the speakers are not loud enough. The sound you hear in the room is not what the sound will be on the video, you’ll need to use headphones to listen in on the audio.

THAT’S A WRAP (almost)

8. The project isn’t over after you’ve taken your bow. Media projects often take longer than you realize, especially if you are doing them yourself. After you’ve recorded your brilliant audition performance make sure to leave contingency time to edit, produce and test your project. Ideally you are getting your audition video in the mail way ahead of the deadline (and the other applicants).